Sit-to-stand test as a complementary assessment in patients with cardiovascular disease

The 1-Minute Sit to Stand Test (STS1) has gained relevance as a simple, safe, and functional test in patients with cardiovascular disease, especially in settings where the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is not feasible. Its usefulness in assessing lower-extremity muscle strength makes it a complementary tool of increasing interest that can strengthen functional assessment batteries in this population.

To assess the correlation between the 6MWT and the STS1 as complementary tools in the functional assessment of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study conducted in 45 patients enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program at a quaternary care clinic in Cali, Colombia. The 6MWT and STS1 were administered, assessing physiological variables and physical performance variables. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used for bivariate analysis.

The mean age was 62.97 ± 12.58 years; 64.4% were women. Coronary artery disease was the most common diagnosis (73.3%). A moderate positive correlation was found between the distance walked in the 6MWT and the number of repetitions in the STS1 (r=0.610; p<0.001). The 6MWT elicited a greater increase in heart rate (final: 112.7 ± 18.1), whereas the STS1 had a greater impact on systolic blood pressure (final SBP: 146.8 ± 27.9; p<0.001).

The results are consistent with studies in other populations and support the use of STS1 as a valid functional assessment option.

The STS1 complements the 6MWT in the functional assessment of patients with cardiovascular diseases.